Making Melville Proud
Not long after SCSA announced the Beazley Medal winners, which included our very own Isaac Panozzo, another Melville SHS graduate from the Class of 2023 received a significant award in the Rob Riley Memorial Prize. The Rob Riley Memorial Prize is an annual prize that is awarded to the highest achieving Aboriginal students in public schools both in Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and Vocational Education and Training (VET). In VET, Lailah’s accomplishments include certificate qualifications in Aviation (Cabin Crew), Workplace Skills, Retail Cosmetics, and Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. Additionally, after finishing Year 12, Lailah received a Certificate of Distinction and VET Certificates of Excellence in Business and Financial Services and Information Communications Technology.
Currently…
Aside from working part-time, Lailah has been volunteering her time with City of Kwinana’s not-for-profit organisation called Moorditj Kulungar, which means ‘Deadly Kids’ or strong children. Within the Kwinana Community and surrounds, Moorditj Kulungar provides a safe haven for Aboriginal mothers and children. As part of her volunteering, she has been assisting in playgroups, donation distributions, and learning and embracing her Noongar heritage. This volunteer opportunity is where Lailah developed her passion for giving back to the community and assisting those deemed at risk and vulnerable. “I felt confident in being a voice for those who may not have the confidence or means to do so themselves,” said Lailah.
Like Mr Rob Riley, I aspire
to be an advocate for those
who don’t feel heard and will continue to embrace his legacy.
Looking Ahead
Since graduating, Lailah has applied for a cadetship with the Western Australian Police Force. Lailah dedicates herself to ensuring everyone feels supported and heard: “Like Mr Rob Riley, I aspire to be an advocate for those who don’t feel heard and will continue to embrace his legacy.”
We extend our congratulations to Reilly Cockbain from Cape Naturaliste College for winning the counterpart ATAR prize.
Below are some of the photos from the SCSA Awards Night on Friday:
